Monthly Archives: March 2012

Inkmaster (Spike TV) is down to three artists, Shane, Tommy, and James. If you like edgy reality TV with a creative element then you’ve got to check out this show. Like all reality TV show contests, the competitors are faced with a ‘challenge’ and then judged and weeded down to the best of the best in some category, resulting in an eventual winner of some elaborate prize appropriate to their expertise. Inkmaster is looking for the best tattoo artist in the country. A great show! Especially if you don’t mind a little foul language (more bleeping out of dislogue than actual dialogue, at times) and a lot of ego.

It occurred to me that writing is like the art of tattooing. Tatoo artists have their strengths, some specialize in realism, while others are stronger in 3D, black and white or traditional, more simplistic tattooing. Writers have their strengths as well. I find that I’m better at the character development of my protagonist and have to focus more energy (and editing) on bringing out the secondary characters and subplots. I also find it challenging to create strong settings.

Unlike a tatoo artist that can have a successful career in one area of expertise; writers (excluding nonfiction authors) have to overcome their weaknesses to create a well-rounded novel.

My point, WRITING IS HARD! It’s not for everyone. Give yourself a pat on the back if you worked on your writing project today!

Keep up the good work!

Quality control: I do not mean to imply that tattooing is anything less than difficult. I, for one, have the utmost respect for anyone that can do any form of illustrations at all. Furthermore, I have serious plans to make a future appointment with one of the Inkmaster pros to add to my personal tattoo collection!